Adhesive tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper

ABSTRACT

An adhesive tape applying machine includes two first power sources secured in vertical position, a moving rod joined to output rods of the first power sources at two ends, a second power source connected to the moving rod with an output rod being displaceable in a horizontal direction, a supporting seat joined to the output shaft of the second power source, and an adhesive tape applying mechanism, which is supported on a lower end portion of the supporting seat, and which will apply adhesive tape on an object when it is pressed against and displaced relative to the object; the machine is positioned next to a stretch wrapper such that after the stretch wrapper winds a plastic film around an object, adhesive tape will be stuck on the object and a tail end portion of the plastic film with the adhesive tape applying machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to an adhesive tape applying machine, more particularly one, which will apply adhesive tape on an object when it is pressed against and displaced relative to the object, and which is positioned next to a stretch wrapper for applying adhesive tape to an object and a tail end portion of a plastic film, which is wound around the object by means of the stretch wrapper, thus smoothing and fixing the tail end portion of the plastic film.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Stretch wrappers are very convenient packing machines, which are used to wind a plastic film around an object or a group of objects stacked on a pallet. A stretch wrapper includes a main unit, and a rotary platform. The main unit has a roll of plastic film thereon, and a cutter for cutting the plastic film. Thus, a plastic film will be wound around an object by means of actuating both the main unit and the rotary platform when the object is supported on the rotary platform; the cutter of the main unit will cut the plastic film after the winding process is finished. After the cutting action, a tail end portion of the plastic film is prone to project from the object and move around. Consequently, an electronic sensing and positioning equipment in the warehouse will make mistakes because of the projecting tail end portion of the plastic film around the object.

Conventionally, the tail end portion of the plastic film is manually adhered to the object to prevent such a mistake from happening. In light of the fact that time and labor can be saved if automatic adhesive tape applying machines are used to adhere the tail end portion of the plastic film on the object instead of hands, an adhesive tape applying machine is made available by the inventor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a main object of the invention to provide an adhesive tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper to overcome the above-mentioned problem. The adhesive tape applying machine includes two first power sources secured in vertical position, a moving rod joined to output rods of the first power sources at two ends, a second power source connected to the moving rod with an output rod being displaceable in a horizontal direction, a supporting seat joined to the output shaft of the second power source, and an adhesive tape applying mechanism, which is supported on a lower end portion of the supporting seat, and which will apply adhesive tape on an object when it is pressed against and displaced relative to the object. The machine is positioned next to a stretch wrapper such that after the stretch wrapper winds a plastic film around an object, adhesive tape will be stuck on the object and a tail end portion of the plastic film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a stretch wrapper and the first preferred embodiment of an adhesive tape applying machine in the invention,

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first preferred embodiment,

FIG. 3 is a side view of the stretch wrapper and the first preferred embodiment,

FIG. 4 is a plan of the adhesive tape applying mechanism,

FIG. 5 is a view of the invention being used in the first way (1),

FIG. 6 is a view of the invention being used in the first way (2),

FIG. 7 is a view of the invention being used in the second way,

FIG. 8 is a front view of the second preferred embodiment,

FIG. 9 is a view of the second embodiment being used (1),

FIG. 10 is a view of the second embodiment being used (2),

FIG. 11 is a side view of the second type of adhesive tape applying mechanism in the present invention,

FIG. 12 is a view of the second type of adhesive tape applying mechanism being used (1), and

FIG. 13 is a view of the second type of adhesive tape applying mechanism being used (2).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first preferred embodiment of an adhesive tape applying machine 1 is positioned next to a stretch wrapper (B) such that after the stretch wrapper (B) makes a plastic film wound around an object (A), an adhesive tape can be applied to fix a tail end portion of the plastic film on the object (A) by means of the adhesive tape applying machine 1.

The adhesive tape applying machine 1 includes a frame 10, two first power sources 11, a moving rod 12, a second power source 13, a is supporting seat 14, two linear rails 15, and an adhesive tape applying mechanism 16.

The two first power sources 11 are held in position next to respective ones of two vertical portions of the frame 10 with output rods 111 thereof pointing upwards.

The moving rod 12 is joined to the output rods 111 of the first power sources 11 in a horizontal position, and it is connected to, and up and down displaceable relative to two secured vertical guide rods 121 at two ends thereof.

The second power source 13 is connected to the moving rod 12 in a horizontal position such that an output rod 131 thereof is displaceable in the horizontal direction.

The linear rails 15 are secured on the moving rod 12. The supporting seat 14 is joined to the output rod 131 of the second power source 13, and it supported on the linear rails 15 such that when the second power source 13 functions, the supporting seat 14 will be moved along the linear rails 15.

Referring to FIG. 4, the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 includes a frame, an air cylinder 2, a roller and arm assembly 3, a cutter 5, a moving arm 6, and an elastic element 7. The frame of the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 is supported on a lower end of other side of the supporting seat 14 to face the object (A), and it can be in a vertical position or alternatively it can be in a horizontal position. The air cylinder 2 is secured on the frame. The roller and arm assembly 3 includes a co-moving arm 31, and a smoothing roller 32; the co-moving arm 31 is pivoted to a piston rod 21 of the air cylinder 2 at a first end, and pivoted to the frame at a middle portion thereof; the smoothing roller 32 is supported on a second end of the co-moving arm 31. The cutter 5 is supported on the frame for cutting the adhesive tape. The smoothing roller 32 will touch a blade 51 of the cutter 5 when the piston rod 21 is in the withdrawn position. The moving arm 6 is pivoted to the frame at a first end thereof while a second smoothing roller 61 is supported on a second end of the moving arm 6. The elastic element 7 is secured to the frame at one end, and connected to a portion of the moving arm 6 that is between the first and the second ends.

Referring to FIGS. 5, and 6, after a plastic film is wound around the object (A) by means of the stretch wrapper (B), first the plastic film is cut, and the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 is moved towards, and pressed against the object (A) together with the supporting seat 14 by means of the second power source 13; thus, the adhesive tape is applied on the tail end portion of the plastic film on the object (A). Then, the first power sources 11 are actuated to move the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 from a higher place to a lower one when the smoothing rollers 32 and 61 are pressed against the object (A). Consequently, the tail end portion of the plastic film is fixed on the object (A), and smoothed out.

Referring to FIG. 7, which shows another way to use the first preferred embodiment, instead of moving the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 from a higher place to a lower one, the rotary platform (Al) of the stretch wrapper (B) is actuated to cause revolution of the object (A) after a plastic film is wound around the object (A), and cut, and after the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 is moved towards the object (A) together with the supporting seat 14 to apply the adhesive tape on the tail end portion of the plastic film on the object (A). Thus, the tail end portion of the plastic film is fixed on the object (A), and smoothed out.

Referring to FIGS. 8. 9, and 10, a second preferred embodiment of an adhesive tape applying machine 1 is provided, which includes:

a frame (10 a);

two vertical guide rods (121 a);

two moving rods (12 a); each of the moving rods (12 a) being connected to the vertical guide rods (121 a) at two ends thereof; the moving rods (12 a) being adjustable in height thereof;

two power sources (13 a); the power sources (13 a) being connected to respective ones of the moving rods (12 a) in a horizontal position such that output shafts (131 a) thereof are displaceable in the horizontal direction;

linear rails (15 a) secured on the moving rods (12 a);

two supporting seats (14 a) joined to respective ones of the output shafts (131 a) of the power sources (13 a); the supporting seats (14 a) being supported on the linear rails (15 a) such that when the power source (13 a) function, the supporting seats (14 a) will be moved along the linear rails (15 a); and

two adhesive tape applying mechanisms (16 a), which are the same as that of the first preferred embodiment, and supported on respective ones of the supporting seats (14 a).

After a plastic film is wound around an object (A), and cut by means of the stretch wrapper (B), the object (A) is first conveyed to pass the adhesive tape applying machine 1. When the object (A) is passing the machine 1, the adhesive tape applying mechanisms (16 a) are moved towards, and pressed against the object (A) by means of the power sources (13 a); thus, adhesive tapes are applied on the tail end portion of the plastic film around on the object (A). Therefore, the tail end portion of the plastic film will be fixed on the object (A), and smoothed out after the object (A) passes the adhesive tape applying machine 1.

Referring to FIGS. 11, and 12, which shows an improvement on the first preferred embodiment, wherein the supporting seat 14 is further formed with a horizontal extension plate portion 141 at the lower end, and a turning disk 142 is supported on the horizontal extension plate portion 141, and the frame of the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 is hung on and pivoted to a shaft portion 143 on the turning disk 142; thus, if outer sides of object (A) aren't flat, the object (A) will make the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 change orientation according to the shape of the object (A) when the adhesive tape applying machine is used to apply adhesive tape on the object (A). Consequently, the smoothing rollers 32 and 61 will touch the object (A) closely, and the tail end portion of the plastic film will be effectively smoothed and fixed on the object (A). Furthermore, the frame of the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 has curved slots 161 on two sides of the turning disk 142, and the horizontal extension plate portion 141 has two stopping protrusions 144, which are passed through respective ones of the curved slots 161; thus, angular displacement of the adhesive tape applying mechanism 16 will be within a certain range.

In addition, the present invention can be equipped with several adhesive tape applying mechanisms of the above structure instead of single one to suit the width of an object to be packaged with both the stretch wrapper (B) and the adhesive tape applying machine; thus, the tail end portion of the plastic film wound around the object will be effectively smoothed and fixed on the object. 

1. An adhesive tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper, comprising a frame having two vertical portions; two first power sources held in vertical position next to respective ones of the vertical portions of the frame with output rods thereof; two secured vertical guide rods; a moving rod is joined to output rods of the first power sources in a horizontal position; the moving rod being connected to, and up and down displaceable relative to the secured vertical guide rods at two ends thereof; a second power source connected to the moving rod in a horizontal position such that an output rod thereof is displaceable in a horizontal direction; two linear rails secured on the moving rod; a supporting seat; the supporting seat being joined to the output shaft of the second power source; the supporting seat being supported on, and displaceable along the linear rails; and an adhesive tape applying mechanism supported on a lower end portion of the supporting seat; the adhesive tape applying mechanism being going to apply an adhesive tape on an object when it is pressed against and displaced relative to the object; the adhesive tape applying machine being positioned next to a stretch wrapper such that after the stretch wrapper winds a plastic film around an object, an adhesive tape will be stuck on the object and a tail end portion of the plastic film to fix the tail end portion of the plastic film in position by means of the adhesive tape applying machine; the adhesive tape applying mechanism being going to smooth a tail end portion of a plastic film when applying an adhesive tape on the tail end portion of the plastic film.
 2. An adhesive tape applying machine for use with a stretch wrapper, comprising a frame having two vertical portions; two first power sources held in vertical position next to respective ones of the vertical portions of the frame with output rods thereof; two secured vertical guide rods; a moving rod is joined to output rods of the first power sources in a horizontal position; the moving rod being connected to, and up and down displaceable relative to the secured vertical guide rods at two ends thereof; a second power source connected to the moving rod in a horizontal position such that an output rod thereof is displaceable in a horizontal direction; two linear rails secured on the moving rod; a supporting seat; the supporting seat being joined to the output shaft of the second power source; the supporting seat being supported on, and displaceable along the linear rails; and an adhesive tape applying mechanism supported on a lower end portion of the supporting seat; the adhesive tape applying mechanism being going to apply an adhesive tape on an object when the object is pressed against and displaced relative to the adhesive tape applying mechanism; the adhesive tape applying machine being positioned next to a stretch wrapper such that after the stretch wrapper winds a plastic film around an object, an adhesive tape will be stuck on the object and a tail end portion of the plastic film to fix the tail end portion of the plastic film in position by means of the adhesive tape applying machine; the adhesive tape applying mechanism being going to smooth a tail end portion of a plastic film when applying an adhesive tape on the tail end portion of the plastic film.
 3. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting seat is formed with a horizontal extension plate portion at a lower end, and a turning disk is supported on the horizontal extension plate portion, and the adhesive tape applying mechanism is hung on and pivoted to a shaft portion formed on the turning disk, and the adhesive tape applying mechanism has curved slots on two sides of the turning disk, and the horizontal extension plate portion has two stopping protrusions passed through respective ones of the curved slots.
 4. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive tape applying mechanism includes: a frame; an air cylinder secured on the frame; a co-moving arm; the co-moving arm being pivoted to a piston rod of the air cylinder at a first end thereof, and pivoted to the frame at a middle portion thereof; the co-moving arm having a second end; a first smoothing roller supported on the second end of the co-moving arm; a cutter supported on the frame for cutting an adhesive tape; the first smoothing roller normally touching a blade of the cutter; a moving arm pivoted to the frame at a first end thereof; the moving arm having a second smoothing roller supported on a second end thereof; and an elastic element secured to the frame at one end, and connected to a portion of the moving arm that is between the first and the second ends of the moving arm.
 5. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of adhesive tape applying mechanisms of said structure are used instead of single one to suit width of an object to be packaged.
 6. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the supporting seat is formed with a horizontal extension plate portion at a lower end, and a turning disk is supported on the horizontal extension plate portion, and the adhesive tape applying mechanism is hung on and pivoted to a shaft portion formed on the turning disk, and the adhesive tape applying mechanism has curved slots on two sides of the turning disk, and the horizontal extension plate portion has two stopping protrusions passed through respective ones of the curved slots.
 7. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the adhesive tape applying mechanism includes: a frame; an air cylinder secured on the frame; a co-moving arm; the co-moving arm being pivoted to a piston rod of the air cylinder at a first end thereof, and pivoted to the frame at a middle portion thereof; the co-moving arm having a second end; a first smoothing roller supported on the second end of the co-moving arm; a cutter supported on the frame for cutting an adhesive tape; the first smoothing roller normally touching a blade of the cutter; a moving arm pivoted to the frame at a first end thereof; the moving arm having a second smoothing roller supported on a second end thereof; and an elastic element secured to the frame at one end, and connected to a portion of the moving arm that is between the first and the second ends of the moving arm.
 8. The adhesive tape applying machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein a plurality of adhesive tape applying mechanisms of said structure are used instead of single one to suit width of an object to be packaged. 